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Wednesday Fulham Stuff - 18/03/20...

Started by WhiteJC, March 17, 2020, 05:41:23 PM

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WhiteJC

Top six in Championship hold secret meeting and are 'ready to launch legal challenge' against Premier League if season is declared void

    Championship's top six are prepared to launch legal challenge if season is void
    Six clubs in question were involved in a secret emergency meeting on Monday
    Championship sides are eager to ensure that there are three promotion places

The top six clubs in the Championship are prepared to launch a legal challenge against the Premier League if they are denied three promotion places in the event of the season being declared null and void.

As reported by The Times, the current top six in England's second tier - Leeds, West  Brom, Fulham, Brentford, Nottingham Forest and Preston - held a secret emergency meeting on Monday.

It is reported that a follow-up meeting, which will be held via conference call and will involve all 24 Championship clubs, will take place on Tuesday.


The Championship's top six are prepared to launch a legal challenge against the Premier League if the season is declared null and void

The Championship clubs are livid that some Premier League clubs want the season to be cancelled owing to the coronavirus outbreak.

The aforementioned Championship sides are determined for the current campaign to be concluded.


Leeds, West Brom, Fulham, Brentford, Nottingham Forest and Preston held a secret meeting

In addition they are eager to ensure that there are three promotion places amid suggestions that just Leeds and West Brom could go up.

The potential financial implications of the season being declared void are major for Championship clubs, with promotion worth around £200million.



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8119255/Top-six-Championship-ready-launch-legal-challenge-against-Premier-League-season-void.html

WhiteJC

Exclusive: Ian Harte reveals why Fulham and Brentford are no match for 'unbelievable' Leeds United

Ian Harte has revealed that he isn't surprised by Leeds United's impressive form this term, saying that 'they're given other teams a lesson'.

Despite a shaky patch at the start of this year, Marcelo Bielsa's side have been hugely impressive in the Championship this term and are good value for their place at the top of the table.

Five wins on the bounce has seen the Whites scramble away from the play-off positions – meaning that their rivals would have to make up a seven-point deficit to to catch Leeds United with nine games to go.

According to the former defender, that would be unlikely given Leeds' rampant form and the fact that they appear to be getting stronger and stronger.

Speaking exclusively to Football League World, Harte said: "They've been through a sticky patch and they're through it now and they're doing very, very well.

"I think that if they can beat Fulham at home – okay there's plenty of games left to go but they've got the momentum and hopefully this is their year."


He added: "To be honest even last year they played some unbelievable football.

"This season they've been by far the best team in the league.

"When you go and watch games – especially when you look at them playing some top teams – they're giving them a lesson.

"Okay, they've struggled at times but it's all starting to click into place again.

The results are coming, they're getting the wins and they're looking forward.

"They were looking at the likes of Fulham and Brentford, but they've created a bit of a gap and hopefully they can do it this year."





https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/exclusive-ian-harte-reveals-why-fulham-and-brentford-are-no-match-for-unbelievable-leeds-united/

WhiteJC

3 former Fulham players who you may have completely forgotten about

Fulham currently sit near the top of the Championship table right now, and the side is well known for the array of talent they have had on their books over the years.

Their 13-year stint in the top flight between 2001 and 2014 saw many players walk through the doors at Craven Cottage, some of which may have completely gone over the top of your heads.

Here, we remind you of THREE former Fulham players that you forgot were at the club once upon a time...

Vincenzo Montella
The Italian, who was capped 20 times by his country, swapped Rome for West London in 2007 as he joined the Cottagers on loan from Roma for the second half of the 2006/07 season.

He made a total of 14 appearances for the Cottagers in that time, scoring five goals in all competitions. That included ten in the Premier League.

Fulham narrowly avoided relegation that year, finishing in 16th place, one point of Sheffield United in 18th. Montella returned to Italy that summer.

Rafik Halliche
The Algerian centre-back made the switch from Benfica to Fulham in the summer of 2010, but his time at the club proved to be nothing short of a major disappointment.

With Brede Hangeland and Aaron Hughes often the centre-back partnership of choice, the Algerian found it hard to push his way into first-team contention.

Halliche made his debut five months after joining the club, and only went on to make a total of just three appearances for the first team in his ill-fated two-year spell at Craven Cottage, before being released in August 2012.

Derek Boateng
Boateng joined the Cottagers in May 2013 on a free transfer after his contract at Ukrainian outfit Dnipro came to an end.

It was hoped that under the new ownership of Shahid Khan, the Cottagers would rise up the table, but that proved not to be the case as the side were relegated to the Championship in what was a chaotic season with three different first-team managers taking the reigns.

Although the defensive midfielder was vastly experienced, having spent time at the likes of Panathinaikos, FC Koln and Getafe, and being capped over 40 times by Ghana, he only managed five first-team appearances for the Cottagers.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/3-former-fulham-players-who-you-may-have-completely-forgotten-about/


WhiteJC

Tony Cascarino delivers verdict on Leeds and WBA promotion idea

Leeds United are sitting at the top of the Championship table, just one point ahead of second-placed West Bromwich Albion.

Popular football pundit Tony Cascarino has dismissed the suggestion that Leeds and West Brom should be promoted to form a 22-team Premier League next season, amid the current global health pandemic.

The TalkSport pundit has said that it would be unfair on other teams that are chasing for promotion or the play-offs. He said that Fulham, who are third in the Championship, would not agree to such a proposal.

Due to the massive Covid-19 outbreak across the world, numerous suggestions have been going around about what should be done if leagues in England cannot be completed this season. And one of the suggestions has been that the season to be declared null and void, and there would be no relegation. Instead, the top two teams in the Championship at the moment should be promoted to the Premier League.

"More games then for next season? [On 22-team league], which we are already struggling to achieve," Cascarino told talkSPORT. "What happens with the play-offs and the teams in the play-offs? What happens to arguably Fulham? How would they feel? Of course, they wouldn't agree to this.

"There has to be fairness across the board for a solution. There is going to be someone who is going to be affected. But I do think the only fairest way you do this is you finish this season on every level. Otherwise, there are going to be people with an axe to grind, with the way they feel and been treated.

"Teams in play-off positions have prepared all season to get themselves there and have worked hard to try and achieve Premier League football. Then it's taken away from them because they have decided to go 22-teams. No, I think you have to finish."

Cascarino is absolutely spot on here. Although Leeds are looking favourites to secure promotion and are in very good form at the moment, it will be really harsh to overlook other teams.

The gap between them and Fulham is just seven points and it can be highly closed down with nine games left to go. Leeds stumbled at this stage last season and failed to cross the final hurdle, so there's every possibility that the season can go down to the wire.



https://sportslens.com/tony-cascarino-delivers-verdict-on-leeds-and-wba-promotion-idea/290293/

WhiteJC

'Hugely underrated', 'Gets far too much stick' – Plenty of Fulham fans defend 31-y/o


Denis Odoi has split opinion at Fulham this season.

The right-back has been a favourite of Scott Parker's, and at times to the discretion of many Fulham fans. The 31-year-old has featured 26 times in the Championship this season, starting seven of the last eight as he begins to cement his place in the team.

Parker has a number of options at right-back – Cyrus Christie has slowly worked his way back into contention, whilst Steven Sessegnon has continued to break into the first-team.

But Odoi has been the favoured one of these three – he's now in his fourth season at Fulham and has been an ever-present in each one. He's a versatile player too, having filled in at centre-back one a few occasions this season.

So has criticism of Odoi been unfair? Fulham fans of the Facebook groups 'FULHAM DIE HARD FAN GROUP' and 'Fulham FC Fans & Supporters' have had their say on the full-back:

Mario Golt: On a scale of 1-10, I'd say an 8 at least. Mr Consistency, gives 100% whatever position he plays. He would be my second name on the team-sheet after Mitrovic.

Raymond Tester: Gets a lot of flack but always seems to give his all.

Pedro A Perez: I think he is great!

Paul Combe: I honestly think this man is hugely underrated!

Roger Burbridge: One of the best. I love his passion for the game, his sense of humour and the joy he obviously gets from playing for Fulham. The sort of player who makes sides such as ours.

Maureen Grimwood: Odoi has so much heart and enthusiasm.

Clive Lamb: Gets far too much stick.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/hugely-underrated-gets-far-too-much-stick-plenty-of-fulham-fans-defend-31-y-o/

WhiteJC

Coronavirus: Championship clubs support finishing season after pandemic eases


Patrick Bamford's Leeds United side currently lead the Championship by a point

Championship clubs are unanimously behind trying to complete the season despite the coronavirus outbreak.

All 24 second-tier clubs held a video conference on Tuesday.

It followed a similar meeting on Monday when the current top six-placed clubs agreed in their desire to play remaining fixtures, a view supported by at least three other clubs.

Leeds United are currently top of the Championship table, a point ahead of West Brom with nine games to play.

The English Football League board are due to meet on Wednesday to discuss the way forward, while Premier League clubs will hold a conference on Thursday.

Fulham, Brentford, Nottingham Forest and Preston North End currently occupy the Championship play-off places, with Charlton Athletic, Luton Town and Barnsley are in the relegation zone.

The final round of Championship fixtures was due to take place on Saturday 2 May.

Meanwhile, the 47 clubs in Leagues One and Two have told the EFL they face an estimated combined loss of £50m if the campaign cannot restart before the summer.

They have been asking what assistance they may receive and the EFL has been collecting data and talking to clubs through board representatives in recent days.

The matter is also expected to be discussed by the board on Wednesday.



https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/51934215


WhiteJC

Foundation Update

Further to our communications on the recent outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) and following Government advice, Fulham FC Foundation has decided that all non-school based delivery will be suspended until at least the 3rd April, 2020.

This suspension affects our activity with children and young people outside of a school setting, as well as all of our work with adults. We will review this after the initial two-week suspension period. We will also review the viability of our Easter Soccer Schools, with a decision to cancel being made no later than Monday 30th March.

This decision has been made as a precautionary measure based on advice received, and to bring us in line with the recommendations put forward by the UK Government this week.

We thank you for your understanding and co-operation at this time.




http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/march/17/foundation-update

WhiteJC

2 emerging players at Fulham who may be better off spending the 2020/21 season out on loan

Fulham look set to take their push for promotion right to the end of the season (when that eventually comes).

They currently sit in third place with nine matches left to play, including two against the current top-two in the Championship in West Brom and Leeds United.

But planning for next season may have already started, including what to do with the emerging talent at Craven Cottage.

Here, we take a look at TWO players who might be better off spending the 2020/21 campaign away on loan...

Matt O'Riley
The young midfielder has long been touted as the future of Fulham's midfield and at 19 that could still well prove to be the case.

But there is no doubt that he is at a stage in his career where first-team football would be of real benefit to his progression on the pitch, and that is something he is unlikely to get at Fulham next year, regardless of what league they are playing in.

The likes of Tom Cairney, Josh Onomah, Stefan Johansen and Kevin McDonald will still all be ahead of him in the pecking order, and that is assuming that Harry Arter and Harrison Reed return to their parent clubs.

Martell Taylor-Crossdale
Having made the move from Chelsea in the summer in the hunt for a better shot at first-team football, Taylor-Crossdale would be forgiven for being slightly disappointed with how this campaign has gone for him.

However, the chances of beating Alexandar Mitrovic or Bobby Decordova-Reid to the sole striking spot was always going to be a tough ask for him.

Having made just one appearance for the first-team, it is unlikely he will be trusted to feel Mitrovic's void if he leaves in the summer so a loan away in League One could be just what is needed to give his career a shot in the arm.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/2-emerging-players-at-fulham-who-may-be-better-off-spending-the-2020-21-season-out-on-loan/

WhiteJC

'It could finally be falling into place' – Assessing Leeds United's season so far and how the run-in shapes up: Six Pointer

Leeds United have been dogged in their pursuit of Premier League football in the last two seasons, and this term could well be the season that they finally clinch automatic promotion back to the top flight.

The Whites appointed Marcelo Bielsa back in the summer of 2018 and have instantly been transformed into one of the league's top-performing and most exciting teams, only to narrowly miss out to Sheffield United last season in the hunt for the top two.

Since then, they have dusted themselves off from heartbreak and gone from strength to strength in the 2019/20 Championship campaign.

The season was poised for Leeds to get ahead of the chasing pack with demonstrably less consistency at the top end of the table throughout Leeds' rivals, with West Brom the other side looking like standout automatic promotion candidates.

An EFL postponement has put the charge for the title on hold for, at the very least, the coming weeks but there is growing optimism around Elland Road that this could be the year they end their long wait for Premier League football to return.

Here, we tackle the Whites fight for promotion in this six point opinion...

Firstly, how has their season gone, to date?

"Leeds are going about this season in a very similar manner to the way they did the last, dominating games and picking up enough points to see them firmly as one of the favourites to go up.

"Their domination in each game from a statistical standpoint would have seen them already promoted, with possession and chance creation their main strengths.

"However, some shortcomings at both ends of the pitch have caused them problems meaning that a top-two finish isn't completely clear-cut.

"They still look like the strongest candidates for promotion and rightly so, but the missed chances and defensive errors will still be lingering in the minds of the fans and the players, especially after last season's capitulation."

What has been the problem then?

"Despite being one of the most potent attacks in the league and boasting the best defensive record, there have been constant issues each week.

"The weaknesses in both six-yard boxes were outlined during their poor run after Christmas and the New Year, where chances went begging and they were conceding soft goals at the first sign of danger.

"Domination and possession mean nothing if you can't put the ball away and stop simple efforts at goal.

"Patrick Bamford's 13 league goals is a decent return, but could have easily been doubled by this point, regardless of the tremendous work he's done, while Kiko Casilla's howlers weren't helping at the other end."

Who have been standout performers?

"One of the hardest things to single out in this current Leeds United team is who the most important and best performer is each week, because of the collective pull in the right direction from each squad member.

"Thoughts immediately direct towards Ben White and Kalvin Phillips for the Player of the Season accolade and justifiably so, but this would take away from the stunning work of Jack Harrison and Mateusz Klich in the engine room, the leadership of Liam Cooper, Luke Ayling's recent one-man crusade and Stuart Dallas' Paul Madeley-esque versatility.

"It was, however, glaringly obvious how much weaker Leeds were without Phillips in the team and it's no surprise he's being watched closely by England chief Gareth Southgate."

]Where do they currently stand then?[/b

"Last weekend's 2-0 win over local rivals Huddersfield Town was the Whites' fifth in a row along with as many clean sheets, showing just how well they were picking up form at the perfect time.

"The EFL's postponement has come with rather unfortunate timing but gives Leeds a chance to continue their preparations for the last nine league games of the campaign.

"Coupled with West Brom's 0-0 draw and Fulham's 1-1 draw the same weekend, Leeds have climbed back to the summit of the Championship and opened up a healthy seven-point lead to third place.

"It only takes a 21-point swing for the Whites to clinch promotion (out of a possible 27), so with every point Leeds gain and Fulham drop, that point swing edges closer to zero and confirmation of their top-flight status."



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/it-could-finally-be-falling-into-place-assessing-leeds-uniteds-season-so-far-and-how-the-run-in-shapes-up-six-pointer/


WhiteJC

Comment: Why UEFA's latest decision could prove positive for Fulham

This article is part of Football League World's 'Comment' series, this content strand is where the author of the article issues their personal opinion on the topic at hand...

With the majority of European leagues suspended due to the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic, UEFA revealed today that they had made the decision to postpone Euro 2020 by 12 months.


The 24-team tournament was originally scheduled to take place in locations across Europe in June and July this year but has now been pushed back to the summer of 2021.

According to a statement from the UEFA website, the decision was made in order to give priority to the completion of domestic competitions–with fixtures across the continent currently suspended due to the outbreak of the virus.

It is a move that makes a lot of sense but one that will no doubt be frustrating to football fans and players across the continent, as excitement for the upcoming tournament had really started to build.

It may, however, prove positive for Fulham.

Scott Parker is blessed with arguably one of the best squads in the Championship and that includes a number of regular internationals.

Cyrus Christie (Republic of Ireland) and Aleksander Mitrovic (Serbia) both feature regularly for sides that are in the play-offs for the competition, while after his performances for the Cottagers this season Scotland, who are also in the play-offs, could look to select Tom Cairney.

Marek Rodak has never featured for the Slovakian senior side but has been called up into the squad previously and has appeared for the U21s in the past–he could be someone that also receives a call-up should Slovakia make it through the play-offs.

International tournaments can be the pinnacle of a football player's career but that does not necessarily make them good news for clubs.

In fact, it is often the complete opposite. In addition to the risk of injury, tournaments also draw attention to players and lead to transfer interest, can lead to burnout in the following campaign, and mean players have to miss parts of pre-season.

With disruption to fixtures due to the Covid-19 outbreak already, the last thing the west London club needed was a few of their star performers playing an international tournament before the start of next season.

That could be particularly impactful given the fact they're well set to push for promotion back to the Premier League–sitting third in the table with nine games left of the season.

Fulham's last spell in the English top flight lasted just one year. The last thing they need is to secure promotion and then head into the Premier League season without their star striker or starting goalkeeper due to injury.

As most likely will, Fulham fans may be feeling frustrated by the news concerning Euro 2020 but UEFA's decision may just prove positive for them.



https://footballleagueworld.co.uk/comment-why-uefas-latest-decision-could-prove-positive-for-fulham/

WhiteJC

Operational Updates


In light of recent events owing to Coronavirus (Covid-19), and further to recent communications regarding fixture postponements, the Club would like to advise supporters of some operational changes which will come into immediate effect.

In order to adhere to Government recommendations and guidelines as well as to support efforts in protecting the health and well-being of all Fulham FC supporters, players and staff, the Club has introduced temporary measures to its day to day operations to allow employees to work away from club sites.

We will of course keep our supporters updated across all of our channels.

Should you have any queries, please email: [email protected]

TICKET OFFICE & STADIUM STORE
The Ticket Office and Stadium Store at Craven Cottage will be closed.

Fans can still use fulhamfc.com/tickets anytime or call the Ticket Office on 0203 871 0810, Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

Supporters can still shop online at shop.fulhamfc.com but please note the warehouse will be staffed at a reduced rate, so there may be a delay in delivery of your order. If you have any queries for the retail team please email [email protected]

HOSPITALITY
The Hospitality team will be working remotely, however your Account Manager(s) are still available and can be reached via email. If you do not have an Account Manager but have a query please contact [email protected]

MEETINGS & EVENTS
Craven Cottage is currently closed for external events. Our Meetings & Events team are also now working from home and can be contacted on email. Please direct enquiries to [email protected]

The Club encourages supporters to continue to follow the most up-to-date advice from the government and other appropriate bodies.

Maintaining excellent personal hygiene is key, so please continue to look after yourselves and others.

Fulham Football Club is a family and we would all like our family to remain healthy and stay safe.

For more information on symptoms and all you need-to-know about Covid-19 then please visit www.nhs.uk. We thank you for your support.



http://www.fulhamfc.com/news/2020/march/17/operational-updates

WhiteJC

Championship clubs will do whatever it takes to complete the rest of the season with teams prepared to play games in empty stadiums as EFL prepare plans amid coronavirus crisis

    Championship clubs are determined to resume games and complete the season 
    Teams held initials talks over the phone to discuss the possible options available
    Many are willing to play games in empty stadiums in order to finish the campaign
    The EFL will hold a board meeting on Wednesday to discuss the plans they have
    Coronavirus symptoms : what are they and should you see a doctor?
    Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?

Championship clubs are determined to resume playing and finish the season no matter what - even if it means completing the remaining fixtures behind closed doors.

The EFL will hold a board meeting on Wednesday to discuss their plans for the rest of the campaign after football was suspended until April 3 at the earliest due to coronavirus.

Clubs held initial talks over the phone yesterday to go through their options ahead of the pivotal meeting and the majority want the remaining games played whatever it takes.


Leeds United were top of the Championship when all football was suspended last week


The EFL will hold a board meeting  to discuss plans that will affect West Brom who are second


With ongoing concerns about mass gatherings, Championship club chiefs are willing to play games in empty stadiums in order to get the season finished.

In the event of that, one option discussed to appease season ticket holders would be to grant them access to the iFollow official streaming service for Football League clubs so they can watch games they would otherwise have attended in person.

As part of that plan, non-season ticket holders would then be able to buy access to individual games, allowing them to watch their sides but also creating a revenue stream - albeit a smaller one than if fans were allowed to attend - for their clubs.


All Championship clubs are determined to do whatever it takes to play the rest of the games


Play-off contenders Fulham and Brentford could be affected if the season was not completed




https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8123349/Championship-clubs-takes-complete-season-including-games-stadiums.html


WhiteJC

The night Fulham stunned the Old Lady! Ten years ago, Craven Cottage rocked as Juventus were humbled in a classic Europa League tie

    Ten years have passed since Fulham enjoyed a historic Europa League victory
    The Cottagers rallied to beat Juventus 5-4 on aggregate after being 4-1 down
    Clint Dempsey, Bobby Zamora and Zoltan Gera scored in the last-16 second leg
    Roy Hodgson's side made the final but lost to Atletico Madrid after extra time

It was a night when Roy Hodgson cast aside his usual English reserve and dived in for the hugs rather than the firm congratulatory handshakes.

'We should just do a Rocky Marciano and retire now,' beamed Hodgson when he came up for air. 'It's not going to get better than this. It must be the greatest night in the club's history. I'm on top of the world.'

Ten years have passed since his Fulham side fought back to topple the mighty Juventus amid raucous scenes of jubilation beside the Thames and move into the last eight of the Europa League.


Ten years have passed since Fulham fought back to topple Juventus in the Europa League


Clint Dempsey scored the winning goal after coming on as a late second-half substitute


For a former Inter Milan manager like Hodgson, there was another layer of pride as he addressed the exhausted players who simply refused to accept defeat, not even when they trailed 4-1 to the Old Lady of Italian football.

Zoltan Gera, scorer of two goals in the second leg at Craven Cottage, had broken down in tears in the dressing room. Clint Dempsey was still hyped up by the thrill of climbing off the bench to chip in the winner with eight minutes remaining.

'I didn't want it to end, I can still remember thinking I wanted it to go into extra-time,' says Bobby Zamora, who scored Fulham's first of an epic night. 'The game was only going one way from the moment of the sending off (Fabio Cannavaro in the 27th minute). It knocked them for six. We had them where we wanted them and you could see it in their eyes. By the end, they were arguing among themselves.'

Fabio Capello was in the crowd and referred to the Juventus game when he later called Zamora into his England squad.

It was a night when perceptions were changed and reputations enhanced. Hodgson was named Liverpool manager later that year and Arsenal spent the summer chasing keeper Mark Schwarzer.


Zoltan Gera (left) broke down in tears in the dressing room as Fulham celebrated their win


A night where reputations were enhanced with Roy Hodgson later becoming Liverpool boss


Fulham had appeared doomed for the drop when Hodgson arrived in December 2007. Yet they survived on goal difference, finished seventh the following year and launched a Europa League campaign in Lithuania in July, followed by a trip to Perm in Siberia.

In the semi-finals, they were forced to travel to Hamburg by boat for the first leg because of the ash cloud caused by a volcanic eruption in Iceland, and Zamora and Andy Johnson were among the players who broke the tedium of a traffic jam in northern Germany by climbing from the bus for an impromptu game of keepy-uppy in the road.

Fulham played 19 games in the Europa League, returning to Hamburg for the final where they were beaten by a deflected Diego Forlan goal in extra-time against Atletico Madrid.

Zamora said: 'Shakhtar Donetsk was the game I realised we were in a competition with world-class talent. At the time, I don't think anybody paid too much attention to the Europa League. It didn't have the clout it has now with a Champions League place at stake.

'Shakhtar were an unbelievable team. They were something special and now we know them well because it was Willian, Fernandinho, Douglas Costa and Luiz Adriano.'

Fulham beat Shakhtar in the first round of the knockout phase with the help of a screamer by Zamora and set up the tie with Juventus in the last 16.

This was not vintage Juve, but they did boast World Cup winners Cannavaro, Alessandro del Piero and David Trezeguet. The Italians won 3-1 in Turin and Trezeguet struck in the second minute at Craven Cottage. 'We never gave up,' says Schwarzer. 'We weren't a team of stars but we had lots of experience. More importantly, in those first two years under Roy, we had a real determination to prove people wrong.


Gera produced an acrobatic celebration as his side stunned the mighty Italians at home


The midfielder's second half penalty drew his side level before they went on to claim victory


'There was nothing to lose. Fulham were nobody in comparison to Juventus and we had such a strong belief, especially at home. We knew if we could get back into the game, the crowd would lift us.'

Schwarzer draws a parallel with his experience at Middlesbrough, when the run to the 2006 UEFA Cup final featured classic second-leg comebacks against Steaua Bucharest and Basle.

'In England, when the momentum turns and the crowd is close to the pitch, the pressure can make a difference against some continental teams,' says the Aussie keeper. 'It was electric at the Cottage and teams couldn't handle it, even a Juventus team with world-class players.'

Zamora levelled on the night before Cannavaro was sent off for a professional foul on Gera, who scored Fulham's second. Juventus were creaking. Fulham rattled the woodwork twice and 39-year-old third-choice keeper Antonio Chimenti produced a magnificent save to deny Zamora from a free-kick.

At the interval, still trailing by one goal in the tie, Hodgson ordered his team to, 'Go out and win the second half'. Gera coolly converted a penalty after a handball by Diego and Dempsey chipped Chimenti from an angle for the decisive goal.

'It was surreal, the whole place was going crazy,' says Schwarzer. 'It goes down as one of the greatest nights in the history of the club. They are memories that stay with you for ever. You wonder if those nights will ever be repeated for clubs like Fulham and Boro. I do hope so. It was amazing.'


Hodgson's team had a desire to prove people wrong and produced a memorable performance



https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-8123599/The-night-Fulham-stunned-Old-Lady-10-years-ago-Juventus-humbled-classic-Europa-tie.html

WhiteJC


Cottage Talk: The Return Of Robert Wilson And Gordon Davies

Take a listen to a podcast that focuses on Fulham Football Club.

In this episode, we once again had a chat with Fulham Legends Robert Wilson and Gordon Davies. Co-hosting this episode were Emilio Di Nello and Scott Tanfield from Friends Of Fulham.

During the show, we chatted with Rob and Gordon about the season so far, along with their thoughts on Scott Parker. We ended the show by discussing what could happen to the rest of the season.


Lastly, you can also listen to the show by following this link...
https://cottagersconfidential.sbnation.com/2020/3/17/21184441/cottage-talk-the-return-of-robert-wilson-and-gordon-davies